Bridges, Not Walls: Reflections on Anti-Immigration and Belonging 🌍

We haven’t updated this blog for almost a month. Life happens, and the world keeps moving. How much has been happening around us. One theme keeps coming up again and again, whether in Europe, the US, or even closer to home in Asia: anti-immigration sentiment is rising.

It’s hard not to notice. Politicians make headlines with promises of “tougher” borders, protests against new arrivals flare up, and in everyday conversations, you sometimes hear more suspicion than welcome. For those of us who live abroad, whether we call ourselves expats, migrants, or something in between, these stories hit close to the bone.

Immigrants vs Expats: Why the Labels Matter

There’s something uncomfortable about the way we use these words. “Immigrants” are often portrayed as poor, desperate, or a burden. “Expats,” on the other hand, are seen as adventurous, global professionals, even when both are simply people living outside their home country.

We know many of you reading this are expats in Malaysia, and you may not have felt the sting of being called an “immigrant.” But the truth is, it’s just a label. Behind both words are human beings moving for work, family, safety, or simply to experience a different way of life.

Why the Hostility?

The reasons are complex:

• 💼 Economic worries — people fear jobs are scarce.

• 🏠 Cultural identity — rapid change makes some feel their traditions are under threat.

• 🗳 Politics — immigration is an easy card to play for votes.

• 📺 Media and misinformation — negative stories spread faster than positive ones.

All these create an “us vs. them” mindset. And once that takes root, empathy is the first casualty.

Where Do We Go From Here?

We don’t pretend there’s a single solution. But we’ve seen, in small ways, that bridges can be built:

• 🌟 Sharing stories of contribution and kindness.

• 🥘 Creating opportunities for locals and newcomers to meet, not just pass each other by.

• 🌱 Reminding ourselves and others that diversity is not a threat, but a strength.

  
  

At Malaysian Link, we started with a simple dream: to help expats go beyond the “bubble” and connect with the Malaysia that locals know and love. The markets, the villages, the neighbourhood events — the everyday life that makes this country special.

In times like these, we believe that mission is more important than ever. When expats and locals sit together at a pasar malam table, or share laughter at a community feast, the labels of “immigrant” and “foreigner” fade away. What remains is just people, sharing space, sharing stories.

Anti-immigration sentiment may be rising globally, but we refuse to give in to fear. Our hope is that by choosing connection over division, we can inspire others to do the same.

So here’s to bridges, not walls. To neighbours, not strangers. And to a Malaysia where every newcomer feels not just tolerated, but welcomed home. 🏡

📷: Nuraisyamsuzura Rozaidi